Guild notches 700th win

April 13, 2012|By Matt Wenzel, Staff Writer

JOHANNESBURG — In 1975, Rick Guild transferred the short distance from Central Lake to Johannesburg-Lewiston to coach baseball.

A shade under averaging 20 wins for the next 36 years, Guild forever stamped himself in J-L record books by winning his 700th game Tuesday night against the reigning Regional champions from Rogers City.

Through it all, Guild has many memories of other close victories and the students that have gone through the program, but the coach still believes the job is not about 700 wins or losses.

“What sticks out in my mind is more important than the wins, what sports do for the kids,” he said. “There are a lot of statistics that show that kids who are involved in extracurricular activities, whether it’s sports, music, art or whatever, do better academically.

“Seeing kids be successful as they go on in life is more important than the victories. It’s more fun to win than lose, but you have to know how to lose too.”

Since 1975 there have been seven presidents but not many changes to the sport of baseball, according to Guild.

“I don’t think it has changed a lot,” Guild said. “I see there starting to be a more progressive attitude in Northern Michigan. By progressive, I mean that kids are able to do more like winter hitting leagues and summer AAU ball.

“This gives them the opportunity to compete with kids from Florida — our kids can now play longer.”

As many people hone their crafts and become seasoned veterans of their trade, it is especially easier for those who have contact with youth to grow a little cynical. Several studies have been attempted on the effects of television on the past couple of generations.

Guild is not hearing any of that talk.

“I think that is all a bunch of (bs),” said Guild. “I am extremely proud of how our kids conduct themselves. Sometimes situations happen and kids make mistakes, but our kids have always been respectful.

“People want to say that these kids are on the Internet or playing video games all of the time, I don’t buy that. I’m fortunate to have worked with these kids.”

Guild is optimistic in future generations with good reason. Guild’s Cardinals are undefeated on the year, adding a Hillman sweep to the short season on Thursday, but the head coach is also confident beyond this season for his group.

“I have six seniors this year that will graduate and move on to college next year, and I’m sure that they will be successful in whatever they chose to do,” he said.